Both Countries Moving Towards Resolving Issues Through Dialogue, Says Foreign Minister Khanal
News Summary
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- Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal stated that both Nepal and India are advancing towards resolving the border dispute, including Lipulekh, through dialogue.
- Minister Khanal noted that a technical committee is actively working on the border dispute between Nepal and India, with diplomatic efforts ongoing to find a solution.
- He mentioned that border talks do not take place during monsoon season but the previously halted process has resumed during the winter season.
May 20, Kathmandu — Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal conveyed that both countries are oriented toward resolving the border issue with India, including the Lipulekh area, through dialogue.
This subject was raised during the Parliamentary International Relations and Tourism Committee meeting on Wednesday. Lawmaker Pramesh Kumar Hamal, from the Nepal Communist Party, inquired about the government’s stance on this matter.
“We sent a note regarding Lipulekh. What was the response?” Lawmaker Hamal asked.
In response, Minister Khanal recalled that after the Mansarovar pilgrimage issue was settled, Nepal sent a diplomatic note.
“As expected, we sent a note asserting our claim. They also presented their claim. However, their response indicated a willingness to resolve the matter through diplomatic efforts,” Foreign Minister Khanal stated.
According to him, Nepal is prepared to resolve the border dispute via diplomatic dialogue as well. He said, “Naturally, we also stated that such border disputes should be resolved through diplomatic discussions.” He emphasized that both countries are working together on the border.
“Currently, a technical committee is working on the border between Nepal and India. Since it’s a long border, the committee is engaged in demarcation work. This process is ongoing,” he added.
Highlighting that border talks do not occur during the monsoon, he further explained, “Most discussions and activities take place during the dry winter season. Though the process had been halted for a long time, it resumed last year. The Border Working Group’s technical committee is now actively working.”
Minister Khanal stated that Nepal and India have been engaged in border-related discussions for a long time and both countries are progressing towards resolving issues through dialogue.
He said, “I believe that after a long time, Nepal and India are moving in the direction of resolving border-related issues through diplomatic initiatives and dialogue.”
